New York Red Bulls name Robin Fraser assistant coach

By Alex Labidou

The Red Bulls have tabbed former Chivas USA boss Fraser to help bring experience to first-time coach Mike Petke's staff

The New York Red Bulls announced on Wednesday the hiring of Robin Fraser as their assistant coach. The team hopes that Fraser's experience as a former head coach of Chivas USA will aid first-year head coach Mike Petke.

“Robin Fraser is a class act. I think he’ll be an outstanding addition to our management team,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh in a written statement. “First, he has the experience of MLS as a player and then as a winning assistant coach. He also had the opportunity on the front line as a head coach. He will bring an enormous amount of enthusiasm, knowledge and coaching acumen to our club.”

Petke also signalled his support of the move in the same statement.

“Andy and I have consulted extensively over the past weeks about additions to the staff before I was named head coach and believe Robin would be a great member of our team. I have known and respected Robin for many years and am excited that he decided to join the club,” said Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke. “Robin’s tremendous success as a player in MLS has carried over to his coaching career. We believe that he will be a huge resource for me, our staff and our players as we head into this season.”

Fraser, 46, was previously the head coach for Chivas USA for the past two seasons, signing with the club on Jan. 4, 2011. Prior to his first stint as a head coach at Chivas, Fraser was one of the most highly regarded assistant coaches in Major League Soccer, serving under Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis. Fraser was part of the staff that won MLS Cup in 2009 and helped set a record for the most consecutive home matches without a loss (29 league games).

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Fraser joined the coaching ranks following a successful career as a player. A two-time MLS Defender of the Year in 1999 and 2004 and a five-time MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI selection (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004), Fraser amassed a total of 260 appearances, playing with the LA Galaxy (1996-2000), Colorado Rapids (2001-03) and Columbus Crew (2004-05). Fraser also earned a spot on the U.S. National Team, earning 27 caps following his international debut on June 1, 1988. Prior to being an assistant coach with Real Salt Lake, he was the head coach of the RSL Arizona Under-17 team and Director of Coaching for Arizona Futbol Club.